Hinckley man sent abusive texts to ex-partner and assaulted a police officer

A HINCKLEY man who sent threatening and abusive text messages to his ex-partner, assaulted a police officer and threw a brick through the windscreen of his mother’s car has been given a suspended prison sentence.

A HINCKLEY man who sent threatening and abusive text messages to his ex-partner, assaulted a police officer and threw a brick through the windscreen of his mother’s car has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Liam Hardy’s six-month sentence, suspended for two years, includes 24 months’ supervision. He must also attend integrated domestic abuse and alcohol treatment programmes.

Twenty-two-year-old Hardy, of Wykin Road, appeared before Hinckley court on Monday after admitting harassing Lois Abbey Graham by sending her abusive text messages and telephone calls, which caused her to feel alarmed and distressed on January 18.

He also admitted causing £200 criminal damage to Janice White’s car windscreen and assaulting PC David Haines in the execution of his duty four days later.

The case had earlier been adjourned for a probation report.

Prosecutor Nicki Bennett said Hardy sent numerous text messages to Lois Graham. In one he said he didn’t want to see her any more, in another he said “I wish you would die” - and in another he threatened to smash her house up.

Miss Bennett said the “constant harassment” had left Ms Graham scared that he would carry out his threats.

After Hardy had been thrown out of his mother’s house following an argument, he threw a brick threw the car windscreen.

Police were called and he became verbally abusive and spat at PC Haines, causing phlegm to hit him in the face.

Miss Bennett said Hardy and his ex-partner had a child together. He claimed “it took about 50 messages” to her to arrange to see his daughter.

Hardy had earlier been given a conditional discharge - which expired last October - for causing criminal damage.

Solicitor Duncan Jefferson, mitigating, said Hardy was now back living with his mother and had paid her compensation in respect of the windscreen damage.

Hardy was accused of taking car keys. “There is no rhyme or reason why he should have taken the car keys.

“He was thrown out of the house - and in a fit of pique he threw a brick.”

Mr Jefferson said after a couple of months things started to get difficult between Hardy and his ex-partner.

He said: “What he should have done was see a solicitor to try and arrange something, rather than keep ringing her or texting her.”

Mr Jefferson said Hardy now has regular contact with his daughter, aged 19 months, at his mother’s house.

Presiding magistrate Gill Tracey told Hardy the offences were so serious that custody was the only suitable option. “If you had not pleaded guilty you would have faced immediate custody today.”

Hardy was told to pay £75 compensation to PC Haines but no order was made for costs.

He was given a 24-month restraining order, forbidding him from contacting Lois Graham, other than through social services or a solicitor.